More tannic and firm than the Barville release, the 2014 Chateauneuf du Pape Chateau de Bord gives up lots of currants, toasted spice and chocolate notes to go with a medium-bodied, firm, structured feel on the palate. Slightly narrower than I’d like on the finish, I suspect it will show more breadth from bottle.

Already in bottle, the Grenache-dominated 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Chateau de Bord reveals a deep ruby color as well as lots of chocolaty fruit, licorice, toasted spice and graphite. Raised 12 months in older oak, it’s medium-bodied, charming and has surprisingly ripe tannin. It’s an excellent wine to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years.

Moving to the wines tasted from bottle, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Chateau de Board is an outstanding blend of 100% Grenache that spent 12 months in a combination of new, 1-year-old, and old barrels. It’s a ripe, textured and finesse-driven beauty that gives up loads of blackberry, blueberry, lavender and wild-flower aromas and flavors in its medium to full-bodied, classy style. I’m a fan and love the overall texture, ripeness and balance. Enjoy it over the coming 5-7 years or so, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve for longer. Also, in 2011, they’ve purchased another hectare of 30-year-old vines for this cuvee, so there should be slightly more of this to go around in the future. Current production is about 1,500 bottles.

The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Chateau de Bord is largely accessed from a vineyard in the southern part of the appellation called Grandes Serres. This 300-case cuvee spent 18 months in old barrels. Its dense ruby/plum color is followed by notes of lavender, kirsch, new saddle leather, bouquet garni and licorice. This spicy, medium to full-bodied 2011 should drink nicely for 7-10 years. (Not yet released) Laurent Brotte continues to take this historic negociant firm to higher and higher heights in Chateauneuf du Pape. No doubt the hiring of Philippe Cambie several years ago has aided in this dramatic improvement. My recent tastings here revealed very good 2011s and 2010s, the latter perhaps being the finest vintage I have yet tasted from Brotte. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799